Information About Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

Training Requirements for Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

Switchboard operators, including answering service need high school diploma or equivalent.

Training for Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

Percent

Less than High School

3.7

High School

38.9

Some College

34.7

Associates Degree

10.7

Bachelors Degree

10.1

Masters Degree

1.1

Doctorate or Professional Degree

0.7

Employment outlook for Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service

Represents about 112,000 people in the United States.

Over the next 5 years there will be aproximately 37,000 less switchboard operators, including answering service but, because of expected growth and replacement needs in the United States, we will need
13,000 more.

Hourly Income

On average, switchboard operators, including answering service make $14.29 per hour.

Hourly Income Distribution in U.S. Dollars ($)

Bottom 10%

Bottom 25%

Median

Top 75%

Top 90%

Switchboard operators, including answering service

$9.60

$11.05

$13.47

$16.60

$20.23

Office and administrative support occupations

$9.95

$12.39

$16.37

$21.90

$28.46

Communications equipment operators

$9.70

$11.21

$13.77

$17.31

$22.47

National Average

$9.27

$11.60

$17.81

$28.92

$45.45

Annual Salaries

On average, switchboard operators, including answering service make $29,720 per year.

Annual Salary Distribution in U.S. Dollars ($)

Bottom 10%

Bottom 25%

Median

Top 75%

Top 90%

Switchboard operators, including answering service

$19,960

$22,970

$28,030

$34,530

$42,090

Office and administrative support occupations

$20,700

$25,760

$34,050

$45,550

$59,190

Communications equipment operators

$20,180

$23,320

$28,640

$36,000

$46,750

National Average

$19,290

$24,140

$37,040

$60,150

$94,540

This data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics

Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service: What Is This Career Like?

Typical answering service operators work in a call center environment answering telephone calls. Unlike standard corporate call center representatives, answering service operators answer calls for a multitude of companies, not just one. So while a customer service agent at your cable company answers calls regarding cable bills and service issues all day, an answering service operator may take calls from doctors, lawyers, tech support companies, and a variety of other businesses. There is no telling what type of call you could take next.

Companies hire answering services in order to reduce costs without sacrificing service quality, so answering service operators must have a professional telephone presence and have above average communication skills. Technical experience is also necessary, as multiple programs and websites are utilized to take messages, relay calls, and interact with client systems and databases.

Although professional communication and technical skills are needed to perform well, most answering services provide this training on the job, making the role of answering service operator an entry level position.